This past week there was an interesting Twitter interaction between DevnaCNN and our dear friend Phebe. Apparently, there was a Twitter discussion going on with DevnaCNN about how AC360 viewers are frustrated with their inability to get comments posted on the AC360 blog. Phebe decided to re-tweet(RT) a comment and a brief discussion ensued. Phebe's side of the conversation went something like this:
RT @newsjunkie365: @DevnaCNN: to be honest, the feeling among many is the show censors comments that r critical of show content <--Amen
@DevnaCNN newsjunkie365 speaks the truth. So many don't even try anymore. There is no real criticism permitted, even if respectful11:10 PM Nov 4th from TweetDeck in reply to DevnaCNN
@DevnaCNN So now because I can't get past mods I'm disrespecful and profane? And here I was thinking that they just didn't like me! ;-)11:19 PM Nov 4th from TweetDeck in reply to DevnaCNN
@DevnaCNN Sorry, I couldn't resist. It's just that so many complain but you are the first to listen and respond. Thanks for that.11:26 PM Nov 4th from TweetDeck in reply to DevnaCNN
Well, all this talk of profanity got me thinking about a post Phebe did a few years ago and repeated earlier this year. In this post, Phebe discusses Anderson's potty mouth. Click here to read the post. As I recalled, the post had information about how the FCC defines profanity. I'm one of those who never seem to get a comment posted on AC360 and thought it couldn't hurt to re-read the script to be certain I haven't been violating any "profanity" rules. The script reads:
The Nth Degree by Anderson Cooper Aired (Tuesday) October 07, 2003 - 19:00 ET FCC and Cursing on TV
COOPER: Coming up next on 360, the FCC said it was okay when Bono said it on TV. The question now is, can I say it? Well, we'll find out.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COOPER: Tonight, taking (EXPLETIVE DELETED) to the "Nth Degree." Can I say that on TV? Apparently it depends whether it's a verb or an adjective.
See the Federal Communications Commission today said it will take no action regarding something the singer Bono said during the January 19 "Golden Globe Awards." To be specific he said quote "this is really, really (EXPLETIVE DELETED) brilliant, only without the... (BLEEP) The FCC said it got 234 complaints. All but 17, from people associated with the Parents Television Council. But in section 3 subsection 8 paragraph 5 of its ruling the FCC says Bono didn't violate the law because what he said quote "does not describe sexual or excretory organs, or for that matter the filthy, disgusting things people do with them." In other words he meant (EXPLETIVE DELETED) the merely crude adjective, not (EXPLETIVE DELETED) the reprehensible verb. I refer you to FCC footnote 16 citing the nonactionable noun usage, quote, "the hell I did, I drove the mother (EXPLETIVE DELETED)." The FCC also says it's okay to use such words as an insult. In other words, I can call you a (EXPLETIVE DELETED), but not because you (EXPLETIVE DELETED) my sister.
If it gets too confusing for you well, (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
Anderson was right, I found this explanation a bit too confusing so I decided I'd better review another old clip in an attempt to remove profanity from my vocabulary all together. In this WNN clip, Anderson talks to Jim O'Connor from the Cuss Control Academy for help with his potty mouth.
Judging from the end of this clip and the following more recent clip from PIP outtakes, Anderson may need to re-enroll in the Cuss Control Academy. Hmmm...maybe he could take a few of us with him and get a group rate!
Of course a Sunday blog wouldn't be complete without the puzzle. For tonights puzzle I used a little creative editing to give you a visual representing what Anderson might be thinking when one of those little bleeps just comes sneaking out.
bleep pic Jigsaw PuzzleKind of seems like I should close this post with an expletive but you ATAer's are too good, too smart and gosh darn it, I like you! Have a wonderful week.
Update: Just received info that Anderson will be appearing on The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien - Th 11/19: Nicole Kidman, Anderson Cooper, Leona Lewis. Thanks, Wonz
9 comments:
Thanks for posting the cuss control video, Em! Its hilarious. I don't think cuss control worked for him.
I LOVE the PIP outtakes. Anderson repelling down the glacier is hilarious. Judging by his language, I don't think he liked it very much. Can't blame him tough. I'd probably be using the same language too if I had to repel down a glacier.
I know this is probably weird, but there's just something about Anderson swearing that's kind of a turn on.
I've pretty much given up on trying to post on the live blog or the regular 360 blog, it's too frustrating to compose and submit comments only to have them sit in moderation for all eternity, while they allow the "regulars" and "greeters" to sail through and get posted without fail each night on the live blog--there have been times when I really wanted to make a comment about something on the show, but I chose not to because it most likely wouldn't get posted--I don't think much has changed with that situation. Yes, some of the comments will be critical of the program or AC, but if they want genuine, diverse dialogue and feedback, they shouldn't be so restrictive.
Thanks for posting that Nth Degree on the FCC and profanity, it has always been a big favorite of mine by AC. The PIP with AC going off and "Cuss Control" are really funny--it always makes me laugh to think of AC cussing--he has this polished, refined and sophisticated image, but then there's that OTHER side...
Thanks also for the Tonight Show heads-up.
Interesting placement on censorship in the blog. Just over a month I felt really censored in the live blog and I complained with some people to the team, and they tried ease the situation.
It was curious that the next day all my comments were posted (live blog), and some of them after the show ended, with the live blog has closed. So I couldn't complain about censorship, but I didn't have the opportunity to debate or exchange with other bloggers, which is the interesting.
The blog and TV show together, of the way that AC360 does, is unique, but I think they have no concept of the great tool they have.
Censorship exists and, alas, there are cases where the bloggers who talks about it, they're discriminated. The consequence of this are the numbers, both on TV audience and in the comments posted.
There are days that I particularly prefer to comment here at ATA.
Hugs and kisses, Isabel Siaba
Thanks for the info that Anderson will be on the Tonight Show. Looking forward to seeing it.
Hi Phebe, my comments were actually posted on the 360 blog several days in a row! I hope it lasts. I let 360 know I stopped watching for a month, phoned CNN, and complained through email. I sympathize with everyone who has experienced this. The worst thing was seeing the show's special favorites posted daily without a problem, but I'm seeing names of different bloggers now. I recommend that you folks give it another try. I did promise 360 to submit only positive comments on the blog and Twitter, and not be too negative in my email. It's a shame that a major news network, which should give voice to all opinions no matter how critical, discriminates like this, and even more of a shame that they are like an exclusive club. If their news anchors and analysts are too sensitive, they need to grow up and not take it personally, but welcome the stimulation and challenges of varied views like good reporters. You'd think AC360 would appreciate the few faithful fans they have left.
I'm glad I wasn't watching in 2003, as Anderson has evidently matured and cleaned up his act in later years. I'm too prudish to appreciate that type of humor.
Michelle Thanks for the info.
You actually had to promise to play nice? Seems a little odd to me when this shows motto is about keeping things honest. In fact, your post kind of verifies what many are suspecting...they really don't want to hear the viewers perspective (even those submitted tactfully and respectfully).
My rant...IMHO they have no problem posting certain individuals (whom many of us could name) who always make devisive comments. For example, some guy was going off over and over again last week about marraige being for procreation only. Color me sensitive but as an adoptive parent who has many, many single and married friends who cannot procreate no matter how hard they try, I was highly offended. Yes, I know, I am taking it too personally. My problem with the Live Blog isn't so much that they were posting a cretins comments (free speech and all that) but it was the fact that he could post the same drivel several times yet my comment about my reaction to his drivel never saw the light of day. In fact, I found myself wondering if my response was too tame as he was certainly being rewarded for spouting his rhetoric. For the record I have never submitted a comment that contains profanity or is disrespectful to others. I will admit I may have used a "what the hell are you thinking" about a commentator or two they've had but I've always sent these to the email, never posted them on a blog. Oh well, I will happily stay here where we can agree to disagree and express our feelings (respectfully, of course).
@Em I think AC360's bias is confirmed. It seems many of us have experienced the negative end of it. Occasionally I've submitted strong criticism, but I never used profanity, or been personal or disrespectful, either. Except only once when a CNN commentator appeared to deliberately provoke viewers about financial setbacks, I did some name-calling on Twitter (but no swear words) which I do regret. I too am grateful for ATA, where we are free to sound off!
Thanks for the information about the Tonight show... I have heard that he might be on Regis and Kelly, I don't remember who or where I have heard it. can someone tell me?
@Alexandra, You probably read it here, we posted that news last week.
Keep track of AC's personal appearances by checking our ATA calendar.
http://www.localendar.com/public/themole
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